Sturgis Fest: Lieutenant governor is featured speaker

Tuesday

Jun 25, 2013 at 11:00 AM

When Brian Calley was became lieutenant governor of Michigan, he was the youngest person to be sworn in to such an office.

By Rosalie Currierrcurrier@sturgisjournal.com

When Brian Calley was became lieutenant governor of Michigan, he was the youngest person to be sworn in to such an office.On Monday, Calley, now 36, addressed a gathering at the Sturgis Fest kickoff dinner held at Sturges-Young Auditorium.Calley encouraged community leaders to again take risks.“Believe in your community,” he told those in attendance. “Believe in your state.”Calley had a question for the audience: How much do you know about the future goals of those with whom you live and work on a daily basis? Citing his own life, he recalled those who invested in him — people who took a risk of supporting and hiring him.Now is the time for investment in someone else’s success, Calley said. The success of the state, long-term, will be told through the risks and opportunities people take today, he said, and a strong nation begins with a strong community, a strong state and eventually a stronger nation.Calley went on to speak of bright spots in Michigan, including a healthier budget and passing a budget on time, which has been an infrequent occurrence.“The last time that happened I was 5 years old,” he said.Another positive for Michigan is a slight population growth in 2012. Speaking of matters in Lansing, Calley noted that both state Rep. Matt Lori and state Sen. Bruce Caswell, each who also spoke at the dinner, serve on the Community Health Committee. It has only five appointed positions and when seeking the best people for the committee, Calley recommended the appointments of both.“Both just happen to be from your area,” he said. He concluded by thanking the community for being a strong gatekeeper on the Indiana border, enhancing the quality of life throughout the state.